Embroidered and appliqué picture entitled 'Radiolaria' by Esther Grainger, c. 1973. This abstract textile art work consists mainly of embroidery and collage with mainly circular motifs and 'starbursts' in blues, pinks, mauves and browns appliquéd onto ground fabric. The work is in its original contemporary frame with linen surround. Esther Grainger (1912-90) was born in Cardiff and trained at Cardiff School of Art, before working as an art and craft teacher in the depressed communities of the south Wales valleys on behalf of the South Wales and Monmouthshire Council of Social Service during the 1930s. Through her association with other artists who were employed with the Educational Settlements at Pontypridd and Dowlais, she became involved in the work of the Merthyr Art Society and was secretary of the Welsh Federation of Music and Art Societies which was established in 1944.